English cruising along the way after being sent to bat against Australia
The UK reached 285/5 after 42 overs in the inning against Australia, with Ben Duckett holding the sides at an unbeaten 144.
England started off with Rocky, and Phil Salt was quick to take a 10-year break after a stunning one-handed catch from Ben Dwarschus by Alex Carrey.
England was 13/1 for the second time. Jamie Smith quickly followed, and was caught by Carrie again at the age of 15 by Dwarshui.
Joe Root played a key role in stabilizing the innings with a well-made 68.
However, Root was fired by Adam Zampa, and LBW fell on the 31st, leaving England on the 30th.
Harry Brook was quickly fired and caught by Carrie again, making England 219/4 in the 35th.
Joss Butler was fired with 23 people, and Glen Maxwell caught Maxwell’s bowling in Deep Midwicket, leaving England on 280/5.
However, Duckett has a strong form, reaching 144* from 127 balls, with 14 boundaries and three sixes maintaining a strike rate of 113.38. Liam Livingston is still in the crease and is now 2* from 3 balls.
The Australian bowlers were effective, with Ben Dwarshui and Adam Zampa claiming two wickets each, while Maxwell took one.
Australia won the toss and decided to first face England in the fourth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Australian captain Steve Smith chose to bowl the bowl first, aiming to put pressure on the opposition by stealing the early wickets.
Smith expressed his intention to build early pressure on England as he focused on the team quickly insisting on wickets to control the game.
Before the match, British skipper Joss Butler said he expects a tough challenge from Australia in Champions Trophy Group B Clash despite the absence of Australia’s major Pacers.
The Australian campaign suffered a series of setbacks, including the absence of regular Captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hezlewood and Mitchell Stark due to injuries and personal reasons.
Marcus Stonis’ retirement and Mitchell Marsh’s back injury will drain Australia’s resources even more.
Without a major player, experienced batsman Steve Smith will captain the Australian side, and pace attacks will depend on less experienced bowlers.
However, Buttler does not underestimate his rivals, highlighting Australia’s history of performances in the ICC tournament.
Meanwhile, England is being boosted by the return of fast bowler Jofra Archer, ready to fit and contribute after missing the final two ODIs on the Indian tour. Butler also praised Jamie Smith for his calmness and versatility, including in Xi.
Australia’s top orders face pressure, particularly from Matthew Short and Jake Fraser McGurk, following their overwhelming performances in Sri Lanka. However, opener Travis Head expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and perform under tournament conditions despite a challenging accumulation.
Play xis
England: Jos Buttler (C), Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (WK), Joe Rook, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, BrydonCarse, Jofra Archer, AdilRashid, markWood.
Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Stephen Smith (C), Marnus Lovescanyu, Josh Inglis (W), Alex Carrey, Glen Maxwell, Ben Dwarschwis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson .